Tasty breakfasts
Pop over to the local shop in the morning for some fresh bread and some freshly squeezed orange juice to eat on your terrace for breakfast.

Wander round old Moledo
Explore the cobbled streets of this old village and admire the views and the interesting architecture. It's a great way to meet the friendly neighbours too!

Discover Moledo beach
The lovely white sands of Moledo are just a short distance from the house. When you feel the need for some refreshment, a number a smart snack bars lie just behind the beach and form the ideal setting for having a drink whilst looking out to sea and watching the world go by.

Visit the tiny harbour of Vila Praia de Ancora
the next coastal town just a short drive down the coast. For a gastronomic feast, be sure to buy some of the fresh fish you will see being landed there to cook on your barbecue at home

Souvenir hunting....
The people of the Alto Minho still continue with many ancients handicrafts passed down through generations. Viana do Castelo is renowned for its colourfully embroidered festival dresses and other hand embroidered items, and Barcelos for its pottery. But almost everywhere you can visit small artesanal workshops where weaving, basketwork, lacework, wood carving and toys are still made using traditional methods.

Climb up to Monte de Calvario in Praia de Ancora
for superb views over the town and miles of coastline. There are wide steps here which lead up to the chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes and the wooded hilltop is filled with beautifully scented Mimosa. Paths trail through the trees leading to some lovely spots for picnics. There is also a little café and a small parking area if you prefer to drive up.

Browse the market stalls
at the colourful Saturday market that takes place in the pretty riverside town of Vila Nova de Cerveira, or the visit the 'market that sells everything' in Caminha on Wednesdays.

Then rest and have a coffee in Caminha
and sample the excellent local pastries in a café on the square Largo do Terreiro with its charming fountain, overlooked by an old clock tower. A delightful spot.

Serra de Arga
In the hills behind Moledo is the Serra de Arga, a small mountain rising to a height of nearly 900m. For the more energetic, there are a number of way-marked trails, taking walkers through majestic scenery, some starting from S. Lourenco de Montaria, a pretty picnic spot.. All the villages here have their own little church and tiny shrine adorned with fresh flowers.

Take the local train from Moledo down the coast to Viana do Castelo
The single track local service takes a picturesque route down the coast between to this lovely town.

Visit Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal's oldest towns
Spreading lazily along the tree-line banks of the river Lima, this is a beautiful town, with fine buildings and pretty cobbled squares. Visit on a Monday morning and you may be fortunate enough to witness the local market, which is held on the sandy river beach every other week.

After a hard day's sightseeing
why not have a rest from cooking and order a meal from the nearby Gaivota restaurant to take home and eat at one of Casa da Trindade's comfortable dining areas?

Hire surfboards
at the beach of Afife and spend a day in the water on this fantastic stretch of unspoilt coastline, a much sought after spot for keen surfers

Canoeing on the River Coura
For a unique experience paddle down the River Coura to Caminha in a kayak. Several local companies organize this and wll provide the equipment.

Vila Nova de Cerveira,
on the coastal road towards Valenca, is a delightful town with a 16th century town hall, 17th and 18th century churches, a pillory, manor houses, a fortress and an old castle which is now used as the 'pousada' hotel. It also hosts an arts festival every other year in August and September.

For fantastic views over the historic port of Viana do Castelo
take the funicular to the church of Santa Luzia. If you do not suffer from vertigo, climb the dome and look out from the very very top. Then head into the town and wander around the fascinating embroidery shops for which the town is famous.

Explore the charming fortress town of Valenca
Valenca is a delightful border town steeped in history. Drive through the ancient archway that leads the way through the impressive walls that encircle the old quarter to discover cobbled streets and a delightful range of shops selling the beautifully embroidered towels and linen for which the town is famous

Take a boat over to the island of Insua
Local fishermen run trips from here on Sundays to the nearby island of Fortaleza da Insua, a rocky island with an old fort which houses a former monastery and church.

Try to catch a local fiesta...
Throughout the summer months, festivals are often held in the towns and villages of the area. The biggest and best is in Viana do Castelo in mid August and is the place to see folk dancing and the colourful costumes for which the town is famous. For a gastronomic feast try a few tasty samples at the Feira dos Petiscos (‘Tapas’ Festival) held in Ponte de Lima in mid August.

Peneda-Geres Park
This national park is one of the least explored natural reserves in Euruope. Flanking the River Lima, it is an area of outstanding natural beauty, where you may spot the endangered royal eagle or catch a glimpse of an otter. A visit here is a must.